I admit I wished we lived on an autism island. We would be surrounded by autism friendly everything. We would have other autism families that get it, and schools that provide programs, therapy all under one roof. We would have accessible playgrounds, changing tables in public restrooms and a hospital with all of the specialists … More Our Autism Island
I was completing forms for Sydney and was asked to list her friends. Immediately I wrote down Harrison, he counts right? Then I asked Syd who were her friends and she named kids from the school and the football team🤔. Then I remembered that some of the football players are peer mentors in her class. … More The Awkward Moment When Sydney Wasn’t Included
They asked me if she was high functioning. I replied, “She has autism.” They asked if she was in the middle of the spectrum. I replied, “She has autism.” It doesn’t matter where she fits on the autism spectrum, autism is autism. When parents are so quick so say, “But my child is high functioning.” … More Autism Is Autism
I’m trying to figure out why she doesn’t like her clothes on hangers. In the center of her room is a pile of clothes that resembles a mountain and it’s driving me crazy. This is not a straight line of clothes placed strategically in her room. This is pile of her things that make her … More Autism Is That You?
There are some days that I am on fire. I have the energy of a toddler and I can take on the world. Then there are some days where I move like a sloth. Barely able to get myself together. Last week Wednesday was my sloth day. I was exhausted and stressed which didn’t help. … More Ms. Copher, Where is Sydney’s Homework?
It never seems to end. Just when I think we can blend in with the rest of the world. There is always someone to remind us of autism. Recently, I went through two rough experiences with Sydney. Where I needed to advocate with grace. I think we shocked the world when we showed up for … More It Never Ends
I feel like I am going to be sick. This can’t be happening now. Do all parents feel like this before their child’s IEP meeting? Or is this just happening to me? It is time to get out of the car and I am frozen. There’s no one to call for support. So I will … More I Can’t Believe They Saw Me Cry
Halloween was a scary time for our family. It wasn’t the costumes, the decorations or Thriller. It was Sydney, autism and the unknown. We didn’t have many children in our neighborhood. For Halloween we would go to The Zoo Boo at The Detroit Zoo. The first time wasn’t so bad because Syd was in a … More No Nightmares on Halloween
I wish autism parents would believe me when I tell them that everything will be just fine. It won’t be easy. But things will be fine. One day you will look back and wonder how you survived. The appointments, the IEP meetings, the criticism, stares, rude comments and tears. It is by the grace of … More What The Good Doctor Taught Me
We all have had a parenting fail. Some of us more than others. In the end, we are reminded of  how much we love our children. And how we do all that we can to raise them to be productive citizens. I advocate for Harrison and Sydney. It has become second nature to me. For … More My Parenting Fail
A Woman's Work - Brooke Basically Blogging 